Burgers Abroad?

Since I’ll be venturing off in a week or so to Ireland and Scotland — paired with the fact that I’m a foodie at heart — I figured I would follow the food train from last week and focus on the two burger places I thoroughly enjoy in each country. I know, I know. Burgers? Can I get anymore American? YUP. However, you can’t blame me for trying these places out when locals and other seasoned travelers point them out.

“But, Sarah, it’s a burger: meat, cheese, condiments, etc. They’re all the same” FALSE.
If you believe that, then you truly have not experienced an amazing burger.

Byron in Edinburgh, Scotland

With a mission to “do one thing, and do it properly,” what could go wrong? After wandering the Royal Mile one afternoon my friend and I decided a to pop into Byron. A couple of travelers staying in the same hostel as we were mentioned it and I wanted to give it a go. The Byron off Royal Mile has great atmosphere and the waiter was pretty fun to chat with as he was pretty sassy and I loved it. After giving us some suggestions on what to order, since there were quite a few options including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free, our waiter sauntered away. [Side note, they are also extremely accommodating if there are other allergens in your repertoire and their website gives allergen info based on burger choice]. Frequently their menu will include a new specialty burger that, like all their specials, went towards One Feeds Two an organization that uses hunger to provide meals to school children living in poverty. Since connecting with the organization, as per their website, Byron has been able to provide over 750,000 meals to children. So naturally, I wanted to participate, even more so because the burger had a Korean flare to it and I LOVE Korean food.

The Kimcheese, as they called it, was a “6oz hamburger with a Korean BBQ glaze, bacon, Freddar cheese, crispy onions and kimchi cucumbers. Gochuchang sauce - a staple Korean condiment, which we mix with garlic, ginger, sesame and soy to make this umami-rich sweet and spicy sauce - as well as some spicy Ssamjang mayo.” I ordered it cooked medium and since I was already on the path to mouth watery goodness I also ordered the Gangnam Fries which were topped with Freddar cheese sauce, jalapenos and Gochuchang sauce. Let me tell you… I can STILL taste that burger even a year later. [If you’re wondering how I remember all of this, I take photos and write things down!!] It was really juicy, not fatty and the sauces tasted authentic! Although the cucumber kimchi wasn’t as spicy as I would have liked, I had to remember I was in the UK where spicy foods are an outlier on the spectrum. Overall, I was super impressed with this burger. It was an amazing food fusion, bringing that Seoul to the UK, and the prices weren’t bad for the generous portions received; £11 for the burger and £4.25 for the fries.

I’m quite sad that this won’t be on the menu when I return. But, that doesn’t mean I won’t love the next thing I try!

Bunsen in Dublin, Ireland

Catty corner from Temple Bar you’ll find this little burger joint called Bunsen. It’s famous for it’s limited menu with food that lacks absolutely nothing. Your menu is literally the size of a business card. However, much like Byron, having that small menu means that they focus on the quality/taste rather than producing sub par food. On their menu you have exactly four options while dining here; a hamburger, a double hamburger, a cheeseburger, or a double cheeseburger. With your choice of any of the following condiments: pickle, onion, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard, mayo, and the tough decision of hand cut, shoestring, or sweet potato fries. It’s a pretty basic menu but that place was hard to get into! We waited almost a full hour before we could be sat… which makes its location near Temple Bar ideal so you can have a pint... or a few… prior to your meal.

What makes this place so special and helps them achieve being “known as having the best burger in Dublin” is the fact that they source selected cuts of the best Black Aberdeen Angus beef and essentially use artisan baking for their bread. For this tasting expedition I chose the double cheeseburger and the sweet potato fries. Which, did not disappoint. It was reminiscent of In-and-Out but the beef patties were heartier and seared to perfection. It was definitely worth the wait and if you prefer to take it to you. It’ll come out in a nice brown paper bag for you.

If you asked me which of the two I prefer more I would definitely go with Byron. I like experimental foods that surprise me. However, they are both great places to try a burger and I highly suggest you do and then we can compare notes!

I’ll be dragging my friends along to both places once more in a week or so and I’ll have to come back with an update to see which they preferred, if at all. If you’re reading this…. YES you’ll be eating a burger while we’re abroad. Or at least you’ll be in the vicinity so I can. 😜